Man due to enter plea over death of UL student

A 20-year-old man accused of dangerous driving causing the death of a fourth year UL student, is due to enter a plea to a number of charges at Limerick Circuit Court on 16 October next.

Kieran Fogarty, of Hyde Avenue, Ballinacurra Weston, is charged with dangerous driving causing the death of UL student Joe Drennan on 13 October 2023.

He is also charged with failing to stop and render assistance to the victim.

Mr Drennan, a native of Mountmellick in Co Laois and a talented journalism student who was editor of student newspaper The Voice, was waiting at a bus stop in Castletroy that night when he was struck by a car.

He died from his injuries.

Mr Fogarty also faces a number of other charges arising from the incident, including failing to report the matter to gardaí, criminal damage, and having no car insurance or drivers licence.

He has entered signed guilty pleas to several summary matters, the court heard.

The court was told that the case was a particularly sensitive one and that the parents of Joe Drennan, Marguerite and Timwere in court for the brief hearing.

The first anniversary of their son's death comes up next Sunday.

Judge Elva Duffy agreed to have the accused man arraigned on 16 October and said its possible the case could be dealt with during this session’s sitting of the Circuit Court.